Science
Astronomers detect possible first 'second-generation' planet around a white dwarf
October 6, 2026 at 03:33 PM
A University of Warwick-led team has reported the strongest evidence yet of a gas giant formed from material a dying star ejected, orbiting white dwarf HS 0209+0832.
- A University of Warwick-led team reported in Nature Astronomy on October 5 the strongest evidence yet of a second-generation planet candidate around white dwarf HS 0209+0832.
- An unusually high abundance of heavy elements including niobium, a first for a white dwarf, indicates planetary material is falling onto the star.
- NASA's TESS satellite detected a faint brightness signal repeating every 4.4 days, consistent with a gas giant roughly Jupiter's size orbiting the white dwarf.
- Lead researcher Jamie Williams said the object is not confirmed, calling it "just a candidate at the moment."